Yo Diddley!

The lil dood:)

First Things 1st: Easter, Meeting Family...

Learning to roll over - pretty jazzed about this simple new skill! Oh, the things that now reach 'big time' on the excitement scale!


















Many firsts this month:

* First time meeting Grandpa Bates, Grandma Leanne, Uncle Cody and Uncle Cole - it was love!
* First time in Annapolis, meeting friends, hanging with the boys! -->See last pics in this thread...yeah, I know I have WAY TOO MANY pics on this thread.<-- A whole lotta beer-drinkin' for dad...a whole lot of coffee, straight-up for mom. Good times (for the most part!)
* First time I think Mr. Noah has slept SO LITTLE in a 24-hour period - a different kind of all-nighter folks...where's the coffee?
* First time Noah has rolled over! Although Dad swears that his son rolled over at 2 weeks of age....hmmmm, pediatrician was a little skeptical (so was mom)
* Our very FIRST Easter!
More Easter Photos

As for Mom...
You know, this whole thing used to be all about me. Now, it's just not anymore. How very true, actually, for most of my life. The leap from personhood to motherhood - it is a forever change. I like this Chinese Proverb:

"A Wise Man adapts himself to circumstance as water shapes itself to the vessel that contains it."

Back to work has had its definite highs (adult time, typing with both of my hands) and lows (I don't know if I've ever been so tired in my life). It's only been the first two weeks, though, so it is certainly too early to launch a major life evaluation. Step by step...

Happy

I am, so very. Words do not get it. The 'pride and joy' of a parent is taking meaning in my life. I feel eternally grateful for this blessing. God has given me the ultimate gift.

Watching an Infant...
It's amazing. It quickly brings to recollection all the emotions a person has felt (and continues to feel), but has supressed over their grown-up years for 'adult appropriateness'.

Oh, the full-body smile! Where you are SO happy that your whole body reflects it! We're talking squeals, hands waving, legs kicking, smiles ear to ear, eyes fully lit up ...
What about the quirky gawking glare of curiosity...
Or, the full bottom lip turnout of unhappiness (I thought that was only in cartoons!)
Or, the full tantrum of unhappiness...
So much I relive...and learn from watching Noah :)

What a Hambone! 10 Week Mugshots

Noah's character is really starting to emerge! He is one very happy guy with quite the sense of humor. He definitely has his moments (couldn't be that he takes after his mom), but overall he is a peaceful, affectionate guy. Morning time is one of his faves - he loves to watch mom brush her teeth. The way he reacts, I must look like a crazy fool! He loves to cuddle and blow bubbles... He is very loved! :-)

As for mom...
I return to the working world on Monday, April 2nd. I am both excited and nervous...so, it is a wonderful thing! Exhilarating! I think it will be like jumping into an icy pond...the fear, then the cold blast of water...then the excitement and exhilaration ...and satisfaction that you did it! It's really living! I am excited to return and give my company my best. I have dedicated childcare lined up and a solid workweek planned out. Here we go!!

Family Visit :)
We have our family arriving from Manitoba, Canada on Wed., March 21st! 1st grandson and two first-time uncles (ages 10 and 14)! Life is gooood :)

All Together - New Addition is a Family Affair!

I am so blessed with an incredible support system in my family! I don't know what I'd do without them. My parents have been tremendously helpful with our move! Box after box after box after box - they were tireless! We appreciate them so much! My sister Carly and her fiance Matt came up 2 weeks ago and helped us out a great deal as well - I am so thankful to be out on the East coast and closer to them, especially at such a significant time as this. Here are a few photos of the fam with Noah and one with mama and Noah :) Little guy is between 4.5 - 6 weeks old in these shots.

It is crazy busy with +child - I truly have a whole newfound appreciation for all it takes to be a parent - I feel as though I hardly have time to eat and shower...I really have to take my hat off to all parents - everywhere! I don't know what I'd do without the supportive husband and father that I have in Connor, either! He makes all the difference.


Noah photo shoot!

More Noah shots from 3-6 weeks